Your Favorite Interior Design Resource

Sitting With…Kirsten Grove of Simply Grove

March 20, 2018

While some people fall into interior design later in life, others know from a young age that design is their calling. Such is the case with Kirsten Grove, who’s had the design bug since age 9. Besides styling spaces for clients, Kirsten also poured her creative energy into Simply Grove, a design blog started in 2008. She uses the website as a place to display eye-catching design and decor from all over the world and be a gathering place for other design enthusiasts. We recently caught up with Kirsten and asked her some questions about design and blogging life.

Photo Credit: Jess Woodhouse

What do you love about interior design?

I love the creativity that is behind design! I love that anything can go, within the right amount of taste. I love that people can feel proud and happy in their home. It’s more than just pretty drapes. It’s how the space can make the owner feel. Design is FUN!

What’s your personal aesthetic?

My taste has evolved, especially after traveling more in my adulthood. I love Danish design, Scandinavian Design, Mid Century design and Art Deco. Put all of that together and you’ve got magic!

What’s been your favorite project so far?

We just completed a jewelry store here in Boise, and it turned out so beautiful! My Senior Designer, Nicole Powell, and I loved playing with color and texture for this space. I cannot wait to photograph it!

Did you start as a design blogger and then become an interior designer, or were you already a designer when you started the blog?

I had designed for new construction builders in my 20’s. After both of my children came, I started the blog and the rest is history.

Photo Credit: Laure Joliet

What do you think is key for running a successful design blog?

Staying consistent! Even if I don’t have personal content to post, I make sure that we are posting relevant information at least 2-3 times weekly. If you’re not consistent, people will lose interest.

What’s your biggest design influence?

Traveling! Also watching what other designers around the world are doing.

Do you think the rise of Instagram has created a higher demand for stylists?

I think Instagram has created way more opportunities for stylists. It’s connecting us and creating conversations that wouldn’t necessarily be there without social media.

Photo Credit: Jordan Younger

What’s your approach to design?

It varies but usually involves coffee in hand…. 🙂 It’s so important to have a good understanding of design forecasting, both with the client and with myself.

What one thing do you think every room needs?

It’s important to have really good lighting. Bad lighting can completely ruin a space and all of your hard work.

What’s your best piece of advice for aspiring designers?

Keep doing what you’re doing and stay true to yourself. The worst thing is when designers try to be like someone else. It comes out in their work and it doesn’t feel genuine. You’ve got this!

Photo Credit: Laure Joliet

Thanks again Kirsten, for taking the time to answer our questions! Make sure to check out Kirsten’s blog at Simply Grove (after reading ours of course!) and keep up with her latest work and inspo on Instagram. You can also pick up Kirsten’s book, Simply Styling: Fresh & Easy Ways to Personalize Your Home on Amazon.